Located seven miles southwest of Watertown is Pelican Lake Recreation Area. This recreational park offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages.
Whether you’re seeking a leisurely day out or a day filled with adventure, Pelican Lake has something to offer.
District park supervisor Josh Cleveland and naturalist Cassy Behnke share the many activities and features everyone can enjoy.
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Activities and Equipment Rental
The centerpiece of the recreation area, Pelican Lake provides ample opportunities for fishing, water skiing, swimming, boating, canoeing, and kayaking.
“One of the main attractions in the park is the archery range and course,” said Cleveland.
The range is the perfect activity for those looking to hone their skills for upcoming hunting seasons or have some friendly competition with their fellow shooters.
The range allows visitors to practice at targets ranging from 10 to 70 yards, while the course contains a 14-target walking route, winding through the native prairie with targets ranging from 10 to 80 yards.
“Every year starting on the first of August, we place 3-D animal targets on the course for an added challenge to those preparing for fall hunting seasons,” said Cleveland.
Pelican Lake Recreation Area has its visitors covered with various equipment rental options.
“We have four kayaks available to rent, and then the park provides free checkout equipment such as horseshoes, bocce ball, basketballs, fishing rods, and tackle from the staff at the entrance booth,” shared Cleveland.
Winter Activities
For thrill-seekers during the winter months, Pelican Lake Recreation Area offers these activities:
– Cross-country skiing
– Ice fishing
– Snowmobiling
– Snowshoeing
Lodging and Gathering Options
“Pelican Lake has two state park log cabins along the lake’s shoreline with a sandy beachfront,” said Behnke.
Equipped with air conditioning and heat, the cabins offer a comfortable stay for year-round lodging adventures.
Along with the cabins are 83 spacious campsites and RV hookups adjacent to the lake.
The campground is well-maintained and includes clean accommodations such as updated camper fill and dump stations and two comfort stations supplied with showers and flushing toilets.
Outside the family-friendly campgrounds are meeting spots, like the playground or picnic shelter, where friends and family can gather.
Outdoor Education Programs
“We host tons of outdoor recreation and educational opportunities year-round,” shared Behnke.
Naturalist programs, led by Behnke herself, are offered throughout the summer, covering archery, paddling, birding, campfire cooking, and wildlife education.
Other programs include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, hunting, shore fishing, wildlife, and pollinators.
“In addition to naturalist programs, there are series-based programs with multiple sessions on common themes,” said Behnke.
The two most popular series include the 1,000 Hours Outside Group and Ladies, Let’s Fish.
“Regardless of your skill level or interests, Pelican Lake Recreation Area programming has something for everyone, and all you need is a park entrance license,” said Behnke.
“Codington County has thousands of public hunting acres and the cabins make a great place for hunters to stay in the fall.” -Josh Cleveland
NATURAL RECREATION
For those seeking a more active experience, the state park offers two hiking trails that wind through the park’s diverse landscape.
The trail systems—the Pelican Prairie Trail, and the Observation Nature Trail offer over five miles of exploration combined.
Throughout the Pelican Prairie Trail, hikers will see native grasses, wildflowers, and wildlife.
“This multi-use trail is open to walking, biking, and horseback riding,” said Cleveland.
The Observation Trail offers a different experience from its sister trail. Hikers can walk through acres of pollinator plots—species of native wildflowers beneficial to butterflies, bees, and other insects.
“One of the unique features of these plots is they have so many species, there is always something blooming of a different color throughout the summer and fall months,” said Behnke.
Cleveland adds the Observation Trail is popular for photographers looking to capture the scenic beauty of Pelican Lake.
“This trail winds through small, forested areas and ends at the observation tower which overlooks the lake,” shared Behnke.
OPENING SEASON
Opening day for the east portion of the hunting land is September 1, while opening day for the south and west portions is October 1.
HUNTING OPPORTUNITIES
Within the park’s boundaries lies a large area of public hunting land. 215 acres is open to the public during the fall hunting season.
“Those looking to try and bag a game can hunt pheasants, geese, ducks, and whitetail deer,” shared Cleveland.
The park’s trail systems wind through the areas open for hunting, so hunters must be mindful of other park users during the fall who may not be wearing blaze orange.
“Of course, hunting is not allowed in the campgrounds, beach area, and the picnic shelter,” added Behnke.
For more information, visit GFP.SD.GOV and VISITWATERTOWNSD.COM+
